– Reuters picMANCHESTER, Sept 23 ― Manchester United will have a ideal opportunity to redeem themselves against neighbours Manchester City when the sides clash in the fourth round of the League Cup, captain Wayne Rooney has said.
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Mourinho had tried to lure Rooney to Madrid in October 2010, when the England star had pulled out of contract talks with United, though he eventually relented and penned a new five-year deal at Old Trafford.
The former Everton forward, who has played all across the front line and as a deep-lying midfielder, is struggling for form but he is convinced he can get back to his best after claiming he has been under scrutiny his whole career.
Rooney has said he is open to the idea of moving into midfield as his career progresses but he told MUTV that Mourinho was not of a mind to change his present role.
“I listen to my coaches and my teammates, the people around me, and I don’t really listen to what a lot of people out there are saying because a lot of it is rubbish”.
Teenager Marcus Rashford has netted from the bench in United’s last two games to further heighten the pressure on Rooney.
“I can understand completely the disappointment for the fans with the last week, but I’m sure, back at home, they will be behind the team like they always are”, he added.
“I’ve done that [played in different positions] throughout my career”, said Rooney.
The Portuguese saw his side lose consecutive games against rivals Manchester City, Europa League opponents Feyenoord and Watford before returning to winning ways with the midweek EFL Cup success at Northampton. “We put ourselves in a tough position”, he told the club’s official website.
The spotlight will be on Rooney once again on Saturday, when United host Leicester City at Old Trafford.
“For me, I think it’s the ideal draw”, Rooney added. “I think a cup game against City at Old Trafford is the flawless draw for us”. “With what happened in the league, it’s a chance for us to get revenge for that result”, he said.
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However, Rooney seems to have not found a comfortable position yet. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere”.
